Glendalough is Gaelic for “valley of two lakes” and if you ever get to visit the small town of Glendalough, you will find just that. A beautiful hamlet in eastern Ireland with two lovely lakes nearby. If you are ever fortunate enough to visit this idyllic spot, you will also find the first new craft distillery in Ireland since… well, a gosh darn long time.

Founded by “five friends from Wicklow and Dublin,” they began their journey creating Poitín—a traditional Irish distillate made in very small pot stills (sort of like small batch Irish Moonshine). From there it was a short and easy step into a variety of Irish Whiskies and Herbal-infused Gins as well. Everything is made by hand with a good measure of love.

Double Barrel is a dream. Distilled from malted barley and Irish corn it gets its beauty rest in American oak first-fill Bourbon barrels before being finished for six months in Oloroso Sherry casks. Expect deep, impactful notes of robust chocolate and caramel with just a touch of fruit and vanilla.

This and Teeling small batch are my go-to recommendations for value Irish whiskey purchases. Smooth, with a fruity after taste that is great neat with a dash of water as it is mixed with Ice and ginger ale (a blasphemy back home but a delight I enjoy in the US).

guest,
Sep 2, 2018

Smooth..Creamy... Spicy....Fruity.... Sooo good for the price

Ken,
Aug 15, 2018

Very smooth, and very rich. tasted it in Glendalough, and I felt like I was tasting the hills. :-)

Jon,
Aug 8, 2018

Lots of flavor, vanilla and sweet fruit create interest and make this Irish whiskey drinkable for its age.

Heather,
Jun 8, 2018

Loved it!

guest,
Mar 5, 2018

Great tasting and very smooth.

Deborah,
Mar 11, 2017

Very light and surprisingly smooth for such a young Whiskey. Vanilla aftertaste is nice